Losing Home Paperback – December 16, 2014

This book is a love letter to a mother from a well loved daughter. Stella Fiala is the mom and Janet is the daughter. Janet does a lovely job of bringing you into their bond. You understand that a mother and daughter can evolve into the most cherished of friendships. They do a weekly crossword puzzle together. Stella starts it and Janet finishes it. Even when they are living three hundred miles away Stella mails it to Janet to complete. They work as a right and left hand do when they cook or shop or plan fun activities. Stella, a nurse, teaches Janet to be self-sufficient and strong not by mere words but by example and expectations--something we need more of in our world today. The Fiala's share the traditions that make a family predictable, Stella teaches us through Janet, that these traditions carry a family forward as members create their own lives--and yet, they always have a base to go "home" to. Mostly, you understand the profound love a mother and daughter share and the unbreakable bond between the two, that even death can't break. You come to understand that everything Stella gave Janet is always with Janet. This is the sweetest book, though heartbreaking to see Janet lose her beloved mother. This old world parenting style created the most beautiful bond and everlasting love. This was a lovely read. I recommend it to anyone that needs to understand the loss of a parent, especially a daughter losing her mother.

This truly was an amazing read! I couldn't put this one down and finished it in two sittings. It's a beautiful story of love, of trust, and of learning to let go even when every fiber of your being is telling you to hang on. But it's so much more than that. It is a peek into the lives of this mom and daughter for the last 50 years . . . about who they are and where they came from. You will most certainly cry, but you will laugh as well! JK has a wonderful sense about just when to get a little giggle out of you! Do your self a favor and read this book . . . you'll be happy you did!This was an amazing first book and I hope she continues to write more!

This was a very emotional read for me as Stella was my Great Aunt and one of my favorite people as was my Uncle Chick. It is a beautiful, heartfelt account of what we will all experience at some point in our lives. My tears were both of joy and sadness; joy for the impact Stella and Chick had on my life persoannly and sadness on for those left behind. JK thoughtfully expressed the raw emotion of loosing a loved one and reminds us not to take those we love for granted. Life is too short

I was recommended this book by a friend. It's by a new author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But once I picked this up and started reading I could not put it down! It's really wonderfully written. It's poignant, funny, and tells the authentic tale of a daughter's friendship with her mom, and the time spent nursing her mom at home while her mom was dying. It reaches in and asks deep questions of ourselves, about how we will age, and the importance of developing authentic and loving relationships. I highly recommend it.

I waited a few weeks to get it and once I got it, I could not put it down. My husband went to bed and I told him I had to finish it that night. I felt like I was living with the whole family. What great memories and so many wonderful stories to share with us. I love her writing and I was able to relate since I also have an elderly mother and will also go through everything she described.

A well written, heart warming story of a daughter's childhood family memories, love, respect, and devotion to her mother. Couldn't put it down until I had finished it. Highly recommend reading, you will not regret it. I know the author and she is a patience,understanding, caring young woman.

Bought the book, got involved in a similar family situation and didn't get to reading until the crisis abated. Wish I had found the time earlier, reading Losing Home is like talking with a friend. In Losing Home, I found comfort and relatable humor. JK has a natural gift for telling a personal story. I can see myself in her shoes, but also relate to her husband.

I enjoyed reading this beautiful story of a daughter caring for her mother. I felt like a fly on the wall crying and laughing with all of the characters in the story. I am not a fast or consistent reader but this one pulled me in and I finished it in 2 days! I would definitely recommend!